Abstract

                                The greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella caused damage to honey bee colonies which results in heavy economic losses to beekeepers. The present study entitled “Evaluation of structural modifications on Bee hives using different types of bottom board materials against greater wax moth Galleria mellonella L. (Pyralidae, Lepidoptera) infesting on Apis cerana indica F. Colonies”. The results revealed that the incidence of wax moth larvae on different treatments on bottom board, laminated with mica, showed significantly (p<0.05) effective with less wax moth larvae (1.00), which was followed by bottom board laminated with glass plate (1.44). The incidence of wax moth pupae on different treatments on bottom board laminated with mica were significantly (p<0.05) superior with least wax moth pupae (0.88), which was followed by glass plate (1.88), cardboard (2.63), OHP sheet (2.81) in the order of effectiveness. The Maximum extent of pupal population occurred in untreated control was 3.81. The bottom board laminated with mica, shows significantly less absconding (0.25), followed by laminated with the glass plate (0.50), cardboard (0.75), OHP sheet (1.00). However, higher levels of colony absconding recorded in the untreated control (1.50). Hence, it is concluded that the laminating bottom board with mica sheet will maintaining hygiene condition and prevent cracks and crevices which will be unfavorable for egg laying of greater wax moth.

Key words : Galleria mellonella; Apis cerana indica; Bottom board; Mica sheet ; Marthandam hive bottom board